MightyRecruiterWage and hour laws govern the time an employee spends working and how much they are paid for that time. These laws can include topics such as minimum wage, what constitutes time worked, what an employer must pay for, tips, overtime, breaks for rest and meals, etc. Gaining a full understanding of wage and hour laws is vital for all employers to ensure they remain in compliance.
Minimum Wage in Wyoming
In Wyoming, the minimum wage is set at $5.15 for every hour worked. This amount falls under the federally mandated minimum wage, which offers $7.25 per hour. While most Wyoming employees are entitled to the higher federal minimum wage, employers that are not covered by Fair Labor Standards Act can pay the state mandated wage if they meet exemption criteria.
Minimum Wage of Tipped Workers: Wyoming employers can pay workers who earn tips $2.13 per hour provided that their total earnings (with tips included) amount to the state’s minimum wage. Federal regulations are based on the same principle, with employers permitted to pay tipped workers a lower minimum wage as long as total earnings equal $7.25 an hour. Wyoming employers are beholden to whichever laws prove most generous to employees.
Does Minimum Wage Apply to Me: Most Wyoming employers are covered by wage and hour laws. FLSA coverage extends to employers involved in interstate commerce as well as the production, handling, selling, etc. of any goods to that purpose. Employees exempt from wage and hour laws in Wyoming include teachers, administrative and executive personnel, farm workers, seasonal amusement/recreational employees, among many others. For more information on who is covered and who is exempt, refer to Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
When are Raises Required: Raises are not covered under Wyoming’s wage and hour regulations. Raises are based on an agreement between employer and employee and are usually contingent upon the quality of work performed, overall productivity, and many other factors.
Work Hours in Wyoming
Neither the state of Wyoming nor federal law set limits on the number of hours that can be worked in a day or week. All employees 16 or older are free to work as many hours per day or week as they see fit.
Paying Overtime: No overtime laws exist in Wyoming, which means employers are beholden to federal laws. While federal overtime regulations cover most employers, there are numerous exceptions. For instance, retail employees who earn a commission are usually exempt from overtime laws, as are domestic workers who reside in their employer’s home.
Guaranteed Breaks and Meals: Wyoming law does not include provisions regarding breaks related to rests or meals. Nursing mothers are an exception, as federal regulations stipulate that nursing mothers must be allotted time to express milk for up to one year after giving birth. If an employer offers rest and meal breaks, any employee who works through a break must be paid for the time spent working. Shorter breaks (5 to 20 minutes) are also paid, as these are considered to be part of a normal working day.
Paid Time-off and Sick Pay: Wyoming employers are not required to offer paid time-off or sick pay and no federal mandates exist regarding these topics. Employers can arrange agreements with workers to this end.
Notice Period for Employee Termination: Wyoming is what’s known as an employment-at-will state. This means that employers have the right to end employment at any time for any reason, unless a contract between employer and employee states otherwise.
Plant Closings & Layoffs: Under certain circumstances, Wyoming employers must afford 60 days’ notice when closing plants or laying off employees. While Wyoming has no specific laws related to layoffs, they must adhere to the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. This covers employers with more than 100 full-time workers, as well as mass layoffs and closings.
Legal Disclaimer
The content on our website is only meant to provide general information and is not legal advice. We make our best efforts to make sure the information is accurate, but we cannot guarantee it. Do not rely on the content as legal advice. For assistance with legal problems or for a legal inquiry please contact you attorney.